SEPTEMBER 2023 PRAYER POINTS
SPECIAL PRAYER FOCUS: World rulers and authorities
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people–for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. (1 Timothy 2:1-2). We pray for world leaders to govern with justice and peace, so that we may live peaceful, quiet, godly, and holy lives. We pray that believers will enjoy freedom to live and teach the glory of the gospel. In the name of our great king Jesus, Amen.
Sunday 24 – Vanuatu, PNG and Solomon Islands
Give thanks with Matt and Ellen Tyler for time away with church family, thinking on the resurrection. Please pray for diligence in study as assignments are due. Pray with Joel and Tiffanie Atwood for wisdom in selecting how to respond to many invitations to preach in local churches. Give thanks with Keith and Marion Birchley for the way their ministry apprentices are continuing to hold out the light of God’s word on multiple campuses in Port Moresby, while the Birchleys are still in Australia. Pray with David Pettett for a deeper commitment within the college to thorough biblical teaching.
Monday 25 – North Australia
Pray with Chris and Karen Webb for continued unity and encouraging relationships between them and the rest of the ministry staff team at Broome Anglican/Peoples Church. Pray with Matt and Lisa Pearson for good health for their family, including baby Joshua. Pray with Josh and Steph Mackenzie that God would work and move in the weekly men’s and women’s Bible studies that they lead. Pray with Zoe Creelman that God would provide for every need for his church in Ngukurr. Pray with Matt and Kate Vinicombe that God would enable them to continue faithfully in trusting him. Pray with Geoff and Hannah Harper as Hannah and Lydie will be involved in running the holiday program at church in October, that the kids would be impacted by the gospel of grace.
Tuesday 26 – North Australia
Praise God with Ian and Jenny Wood for the students who come to study at Nungalinya College. Pray that as they go home, they will take the things they have learned and keep putting them into practice in their own communities. Pray with Derek and Rosemary Snibson for Aboriginal leaders preparing to be ordained in mid-October: James (Urapunga and Nungalinya College) and Edwin (Numbulwar), that they might be equipped for faithful, fruitful ministries. Thank God with Simon and Claire Koefoed for recent NT Synod decisions, and pray for effective communication about deep issues across cultural divides. Pray with Co-Mission Partners Mandy Manggurra, James Woods, Marlene Andrews for faithful daily witness to the glory of Christ.
Wednesday 27 – Chile, Bolivia and Peru
Pray with Malcolm and Ainsley Purdey for the students and staff at CEP as they prepare for a mission week in early October. Thank God with Frances Cook for the faithful new leadership of her local church. Pray with Chris and Stef Overhall that MOCLAM students currently studying Ephesians, John’s Gospel and Letters, and Old Testament 1 can develop in knowledge and depth of insight, and grow to be more Christ-like. Thank God with Nick and Kysha Davies for the Anglican students graduating at Synod this month, having completed the first six MOCLAM courses. Give thanks with Adrian and Anita Lovell for the study Adrian is doing this year, and pray for fruitful times of reflection and learning. Pray for Co-Mission Partners Álex (and Karina) Córdova that they may, with those around them, grow in faithfulness to Christ.
Thursday 28 – Uruguay, Argentina and Ecuador
Give thanks with Amy Stephens for the students who are reading the Bible each week in their faculty groups. Please pray for the salvation of the many students who are living without purpose and hope. Pray with Martin and Julie Field for Tebi and Conti as they make contact with prospective students for the new gap year program. Pray with Peter and Terry Blowes for the students of ABUA Buenos Aires, that their first loyalty will be to Christ and that they will commit to making him known. Thank God with Pedro and Joy Oliveira Woolmer for their CMS pastoral visit this month, and for the many other ways CMS express their support. Pray for opportunities to serve and connect with school families during the Spring term break. Give thanks to God with Co-Mission Partners Bryan and Sarah Haro Leon for the provision of a new partner school with many ministry opportunities for Bryan and Sarah to serve in.
Friday 29 – CMS Partners
Thank God for CMS Partners, including numerous IFES-affiliated student ministries around the world. Give thanks to God for the IFES world conference last month and pray for gospel fruit in the lives of many students. Please pray also for the recipients of support through the Mission Support Fund (MSF). Ask for wisdom in discerning good candidates to receive support through MSF: people who demonstrate growth in gospel understanding and wisdom and faithfulness.
Saturday 30 – CMS Branches
NSW & ACT: Give thanks for Camps MMM Years 7-8 and Years 9-10 and pray that campers would be moved to consider their role in cross-cultural global mission. Pray for Summer School planning and that many attendees would be spurred on towards active participation in global mission.
QNNSW: Pray for CMS link churches, that they will truly have a heart for mission. Pray that they will not only support missionaries well, but be encouraging their church members to consider their role in global mission.
SANT: Give thanks for the new and continuing attendees at our ‘Seriously Interested in Mission’ gathering. Pray that the Holy Spirit would be stirring in the hearts of those thinking of going. Pray for the launch of our Summer Conference promotions and for God’s guidance over the preparations.
TAS: Pray for good early-bird registrations to CMS TAS Summer conference and for Andrew Maskell, the Branch Events Director.
VIC: Pray for God to give us the right people to serve in our SUTS Kids and Youth teams, and give thanks for those who have already joined.
WA: Pray that God would raise up new missionaries through CMS WA.
OCTOBER 2023 PRAYER POINTS
SPECIAL PRAYER FOCUS: CMS Leadership
“…be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them – not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” (1 Peter 5:2-3)
Bless all who serve as leaders within the Church Missionary Society, including the Federal Council. May they serve willingly and graciously, with wisdom and energy. As they gather this month, may our leaders advance the gospel plans of CMS, and protect and encourage all who serve and support the mission of Christ our Saviour and Lord. Amen.
Sunday 1 – South Africa and Namibia
Pray with Daniel and Olivia Webster for clarity about the best way for Liv’s physio work to develop, and that the Lord would provide a local physio for her to train. Pray with Nathan and Diane Lovell that GWC students would finish their final college term strongly. Pray that graduating students would find ministry positions for next year. Pray with Co-Mission Partner Thulisile Mabe that she would continue to grow in love and gentleness as she mentors staff and students. Praise God with Kylie Zietsch that the first group of JBC students to sit the external exams after second year all passed. Pray they would use their knowledge in their churches and communities. Pray with Mike and Karen Roe for their children, Amelia and Mitchell, to grow strong in knowledge and love of the Lord Jesus.
Monday 2 – Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya and Madagascar
Praise God with Mike and Katie Taylor for the many opportunities to teach the Bible. Pray for God to bring life by his Word and Spirit. Pray with Arthur and Tamie Davis that the challenges they are sharing through their video and church visits (for people to serve God with their professions further afield) would be received by many in Adelaide. Thank the Lord with Andrew and Margie Newman for giving endurance and hope. Pray for patience and trust as they wait for approval for a Bible college licence, for infrastructure improvement, and for planned campus accommodation. Pray with Norm and Janelle Gorrie for Janelle’s health, and for effective ministry as they visit link churches. Praise God with Anna Radkovic for formal language classes, and for patient colleagues who are keen to help her learn. Pray with Adam and Avril Friend for a refreshing time with family, and for an encouraging visit to Hurstville Grove Anglican at the end of this month.
Tuesday 3 – North Africa, DR Congo, Seychelles and Ethiopia
Pray with M for unity and mutual encouragement in the training team she coordinates. Pray with David and Jenny Juniper for students beginning at their theological institute this month, that pastors would send godly and gifted young men to study. Thank God with Ryan and Lynne Verghese for a restful holiday with family and friends. Thank God with Co-Mission Partners Anwar Berhe and Tsigereda Atankir for a recent visit by Richard Shumack, who taught ‘Muslim Thought’ to students at the theological college.
Wednesday 4 – Singapore, Timor-Leste and Philippines
Thank God with Marty and Jenny Foord that many godly and gifted students are studying at ETCAsia this year. Pray for wisdom, strength, grace and unity among the faculty that would spill over to the students. Pray for Ian and Narelle Hadfield as they attend General Committee in October and together discern what steps to take next in where to serve the Lord. Pray with Christopher and Julie Dean for the four-yearly General Assembly of the EPCTL at the end of this month: that through the Holy Spirit, wise, godly, gospel-centred decisions will be made, including in the election of the next Moderator. Pray with Chris and Grace Adams as they help organise the ‘Bible day’ conferences next month, where Chris will give a keynote address. Give thanks with Howard and Michelle Newby for the gospel seeds they have been able to sow amongst adults, youth and kids.
Thursday 5 – South East Asia
Pray with K for ongoing good relationships between local and expat staff at the Language Centre, and for increased understanding and ability to work together to glorify Jesus. Thank God with J for healthy enrolments this term. Pray that she and others continue to use interactions with the students for God’s purposes. Pray with L and C for God’s providing and protecting hand to be with them, as they move to their permanent location this month. Pray with N for a fun graduation party this Saturday, and that there will also be opportunities to speak words of life. Thank God with I for the two women she teaches English to via Zoom, as they also speak about life and faith. Pray for I as she looks after her elderly parents. Pray with Malcolm and Leanne for the Langham preaching groups meeting in various locations around the north of the country—that they will meet consistently to encourage one another to preach the word faithfully.
Friday 6 – Cambodia
Pray with Tim and Olivia Mulherin for the surgical department at MMC as it gets up and running again, especially with the challenges of nurse shortages. Pray with Maggie Crewes, who is returning from extended leave, and will be working with CMS SANT and starting to visit some link churches. Pray for this transition, and for God to open the door for how and where Maggie can serve in 2024. Give thanks with Jeremy and Jill Horrocks for a break over a week of ‘Pchum Ben’ religious holidays in early October. Pray for Cambodian Christians as they witness about the love of Jesus to their non-believing family and friends.
Saturday 7 – Cambodia
Give thanks with Maurice and Amanda Jacobson for this year’s new students, who have arrived and settled in well to new surroundings far from home. Pray with Craig and Samantha McCorkindale that God will guide their church and Bible school in all wisdom as they point to Jesus, and plan for the year ahead.
Sunday 8 – South East Asia
Pray with Julie for perseverance amid a busy semester, and for deepening relationships on campus. Pray with Rebekah for growth in Christ and fruitful ministry for undergraduate students, as they consider contemporary issues and Christian Ethics this month. Praise God with Jon and Deborah for ten years of Langham Preaching in South East Asia, being celebrated this month. Thank God with Josh and Nici for continuing comfort and help as they grieve their nephew’s passing. Pray for the provision of a new visa.
Monday 9 – South East Asia
Pray with Nick and Rebekah as Rebekah reads the Bible with a not-yet-believer woman; pray for her salvation. Thank God with Andrew Buchanan and Abi Tandiseru for the many primary aged children coming to Abi’s English classes. Pray that she will show God’s love through this program. Pray for Rowan to adjust to being back in South East Asia after Home Assignment, as he renews relationships, remembers language, and settles into his new home. Praise God with Chris and Erin for one year on location. Pray that Erin’s next visa will be granted without any issues.
Tuesday 10 – Development and Training
Pray with Michael and Jean Burke that they use their time at SAH well to prepare for future cross-shaped mission in Tanzania. Pray too for Jean’s family—her father (94 years old) is very ill. Pray with S and E that their loving Lord will remind them of his goodness and power as they learn about the difficulties of their expected context. Give thanks with Taulama for his LOTE (Language Other Than English) church; a great opportunity to get familiar with some of the cultural nuances he may come across in South East Asia. Pray with Brenton and Mel Kilby that they would be wise in their use of time at SAH in preparation for deputation next year. Pray with Gillian Akers that her location details will be known in good time, to assist in gaining a French visa. Thank God with Anthony and Trudi Elyard for in-depth learning and reflection at SAH. Pray with Mentac VIC for their Training Day on prayer in October—for their speakers and for the trainees, that they will grow in their prayerful dependence on God. Pray with Mentac NSW & ACT for the Spirit’s work in people the trainees are reading Scripture and sharing Bible stories with this month. Pray for Joel and Aimee, and Angelica (with Sam), making decisions about ministry after Mentac.